The first paragraph should tell the judge who you are writing to him about and how you know the defendant. You'd also want to say how long you have known her.Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. I am writing this letter on behalf of a family member mine who is presently before you on criminal charges and is due to be sentenced shortly. Use the judge's title properly, but only once in the salutation. 2. Get right to the point and be clear and brief. 3. If you've been asked to write to the judge, use our sample character reference letter and fill-in-the-blank template. What's a character reference letter? A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things.